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etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
etrayamods) wrote in etrayamemes2025-05-30 09:20 am
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TDM 008
content warnings for this TDM include: gambling references, mild horror themes and suggestive content  ⏵ arrival⏴ Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. Newcomers generally find themselves waking up within the hospital, are given a brief overview of their situation, and sent on their way. Now? They wake up immersed in a game within The Gold Saucer. But it doesn't quite feel like a game: whether it's snowy mountains, riding a chocobo as you listened to the wind quickly pass by your ears, or in the middle of a battle with a beast, it feels utterly real. It's only after the game concludes - either by winning or losing - that you find yourself back in the main game area. A bot, dressed as personnel in this lavish playground, approaches each arrival with an earpiece allowing them to communicate with those in their same situation. It also serves to inform them of their goal: collect enough gold saucer points (or GP) by playing the games to acquire a card fashioned to their own likeness from the game counter. Then, they must trade it for someone else's. Seems simple enough, right? Hopefully the cards aren't too expensive...  ⏵ the gold saucer ⏴ The Gold Saucer is an ode to the very idea of fun. It’s huge, labyrinthine, colorful, and lively. Everywhere you look, there’s something to do. At the same time, it’s also impossible to tell what time it is. There are no windows to the outside, there are no clocks. This place is beyond such a thing. There are games everywhere you look, ranging from the pseudo-gambling to sports to pixelated video games in cabinets. Yet no matter which boxing game, pinball machine, or skeeball machine you look at, the same creatures and themes arrive. Cactuars, chocobos, the fiercest Behemoth, the cuddliest Moogle… For those from the realms of Final Fantasy, this will feel natural- homey even. Everyone else will simply understand that there is a fairly strong central theme here about magic, machines, and monsters. It’s hard to tell how long you spend here, and it seems to sit outside of the very concept of time. Still, there are many restaurants, lounges, and vending machines. There are shops and costume rentals. There are even little pharmacies with headache remedies if the partying gets out of hand. And when you grow tired, there is a hotel- though it is made up like a haunted house, you can count on getting some semi-restful sleep.  ⏵ playtime ⏴ At first, stepping through to play any of these games may make participants wonder if they have been teleported somewhere else entirely. But on closer inspection, all the skies above are merely well-constructed interiors with painted ceilings. After all, it always seems to be daytime during these games. Snowboarding - Race to the bottom of the mountain, but avoid obstacles and complete as many tricks as possible! Chocobo Racing- Race on Chocobo-back around a treacherous outdoors race track which can either be taking place in a desert, a swampy forest, or upon an island beach. Work in tandem with your rented bird and against your competition by throwing hazards in their way or utilizing buffs garnered on the track. Different colored birds will yield different advantages. Yellow - Good All Rounder Red - Fast, but hard to steer Blue - Slower, but very easy to steer. Much easier to pick up items from them. Green- Resilient against traps and sabotage Colosseum Battle- Face off against the fiercest beasts around. Pair up with friends or rivals to Collaborate or Compete to do the most damage and deliver the final blow. These battles are synced to the comparative power of the one entering the competition. We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt unnecessarily, after all. And indeed, no one will get seriously, gruesomely, or permanently injured in these battles. Those without fighting capabilities can rent weapons outfitted Materia to assist them in their trial. These will allow anyone to cast spells, though not guarantee any better wielding of weapons. There are a hundred rounds, starting with fairly simple Spriggans, ranging all the way up to blood-thirsty Behemoths to challenge even the most battle-hardened hero. Leap of Faith- Players are presented with an obstacle course that stretches a hundred feet into the air upon floating platforms and islands. Both are held aloft by magical crystals. Powers are entirely nerfed, though falling and hitting the ground is strangely painless. Those who collect the most silver and gold statuettes of cactuars placed at random throughout the course will be awarded proportionate GP; though there is a bonus for those that reach the very top first. Triple Triad- Everywhere you look, people are playing this game on little 3 by 3 boards, or any surface with enough space. You will be given a loaner deck to play with. Are you clever enough to defeat your fellows. Fashion Report- Theobold, familiar to some, stands by himself in a little booth with a dressing room and an incredibly expansive walk-in closet. He is a robot of distinguished fashion and strong opinions on those fashions. Do you dare subject yourself to his scrutiny? Come prepare in his wondrous closets to make the best outfit for the chance to win a prize. Please submit your fashion here! There are Arcade Machines and activities galore. If you can think of it, it’s probably there- Just with that Final Fantasy pastiche on it, of course.  ⏵ the beehive lounge ⏴ There are other places to eat at the Gold Saucer, but the vending machines and cafés all pale in comparison to the dinners at the Beehive. For all the rave reviews, there is a dress code at the Beehive, and this is literal. If you step inside and are not currently wearing a dress, you will be ushered into a sideroom and appropriately made over. However, this is only for those trying to go in through the normal doors. Around the side there happens to be an employee entrance, manned by a bot. He will only allow those in who seem like they intend to work— and therefore must be wearing at least one piece of the Bunnysuit Collection to trick the guard. Once you are made over or have snuck in, you are free to relax inside with drinks, dine on a fine meal, watch the dancers, or participate yourself if you feel brave enough. Why would anyone ever dance here? Well, that’s simple. It pays really well. So if you’re sick of games, or terrible at them— you can always come dance for a shift. Though, don't get any unseemly ideas about freeing yourself of your clothing, this isn't that kind of establishment!  ⏵ haunted house ⏴ When you grow too weary or drunk from a day of games, you may be directed to somewhere a little quieter to sleep. Up the elevator, and through the doors reveals a modest walk through some woods until a quaint, victorian hotel appears. It is always nighttime here, and the stars and moon twinkle above. The receptionist, a bot in a rather bedraggled-looking chocobo mascot costume checks you in and shows you to your room. You can sleep here, especially if you can tolerate the hokey haunted decorations strung up around the place. Though sometimes, late at night, there will come a vigorous thumping on the door to startle sleeping patrons awake- Only for the culprit to vanish and be impossible to locate.  ⏵ ticket counter ⏴ The prize counter is manned by a bot and has a sign posted overhead. Most prizes will be handed over inside an appropriately sized wrapped box, as the contents are a mystery.
This TDM may be treated as a mini-Mission. Time will not pass inside of it in relation to the world outside - meaning, this can be happening at any time between late May into early July! This Gold Saucer is a bit of a mix between that of FF7's and FF14's, but it also has some things that neither have as well. Any inaccuracies are entirely intentional, aimed to make this rest within a space of uncanny valley for those who are familiar. While otherwise being a bit of a chaotic fantastical funhouse for everyone else! If there is something unlisted, chances are it will exist if it is in either of the other versions of the Gold Saucer. Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game! Please direct all questions to our mod queries comment! |
no subject
[The quiet clink of glasses, the feeling of the music thrumming in Clive’s bones, Cid’s hands large and warm on his body. This was far more pleasant than Clive imagined it would be.
A spike of excitement lances through him at the feeling of Cid pulling him up, handling him so easily. Too drunk and caught up in the moment to care, Clive does nothing to hide the desire that flashes in his eyes once they make eye contact again.]
Good. Thought you might be able to.
[Clive puts his hand over Cid’s, letting himself rest in the moment before running his hand up Cid’s arm to rest it on his shoulder, his body never quite ceasing as it sways and moves to the rhythm.]
One, you’re not old.
[Clive rolls his hips closer while putting gentle pressure on Cid’s back to guide him to roll his chest closer.]
Two, aren’t we just dancing, Cid?
[There is a playful sparkle in Clive’s eyes. Teasing Cid is more fun than he thought it would be.]
no subject
[He gives a dry little laugh as Clive pushes back against the asserterion that he’s old. That’s new. He always let him get away with it before.]
I feel old. [He manages to stay upright and on beat.] And drunk. But we saw that coming.
[Its nearly as intoxicating as the other man’s touch. They had to hold it down as long as they could though.]
[His grip on Clive’s waist tightens.]
How are you holding together? Shall we take another shot?
no subject
The kiddie gloves are on and you know it.
[Clive is very aware of Cid's reputation. While he doesn't know how much of it is true, but he at least knows that Isabelle saw a decent amount of him.
Clive moves his free hand down to Cid's hip and subtly nudges it forward, moving back to gide the two of them into a gentle spin.]
Maybe I should have helped you warm up more first.
[Clive can't help the soft, shuddering breath he takes at Cid's touch. Oh how much he wants. Even through the haze of alcohol and whatever the feeling he got while dancing was, Clive knew if he wasn't careful that want would become very evident to everyone in the establishment.]
Another shot sounds good.
[He doesn't want to take the out, but he knows he needs to. Once the two of them are centered again, Clive reluctantly steps out of Cid's grasp, letting go of his hip and sliding a finger along Cid's jaw. It isn't until he is at Cid's chin that he breaks eye contact and looks towards the wings and heads in that direction. In a fluid motion, he takes the tip jar for them to split. As expected, it's full.
Once backstage, Clive unceremoniously flops into a chair and tries to ignore how much colder he feels without being in Cid's orbit. He toes his shoes off and sets the tip jar on the vanity with a satisfying jingle.]
Told you.
no subject
[Cid wobbles his way back stage with shot glasses in hand. He pulls his heels off and slings them under a vanity.]
Since when have you been the one changing the plans?
[He lands his ass on one of the stools, legs wide as he hunches over and pulls out a smoke. He lights it with magic before Clive can object, thinking less about his feelings and more about the smoke.]
no subject
[Clive sighs at the sight of Cid using his magic to light one of his smokes. Looks like that death wish that Cid ran with before hasn’t abated at all.]
I’ve learned to think on my feet. Some guy from my past taught me how.
[Clive quirks Cid a half smile before taking one of the glasses. He raises it in a toast.]
To poorly laid plans.
[Clive downs the drink before leaning his elbow on the vanity and putting his chin in his hand. He takes in Cid’s form, hunched over and inhaling that cigarillo like if he doesn’t finish it in three puffs he’ll die. His eyes follow the nicotine fix to the hands that hold it, to the broad chest and exposed skin with a slight sheen of sweat. His gaze travels downwards. The angle makes it difficult to see anything between his pecs and his thighs, so he practically skips over them, eyes trailing all the way down to those punishingly high heels.
He makes absolutely no attempt to hide how much he is oggling. And to be fair, he doesn’t fully realize he is doing it.]
Here.
[Clive gets off of his stool to kneel on the ground. Gently, he lifts Cid’s calf with one hand and removes the shoe with his other. He repeats the gesture on the other foot then sits back on his haunches, looking up and making the very active and deliberate choice to just make eye contact.]
Wanna count the tips?